Ashely Lyon, 19 (left center) talks about CCI style.
California Culinary Institute and its contribution to style on the corner of Polk and Turk in San Francisco.
MIKE KEPKA/The Chronicle

Ashely Lyon, 19 (left center) talks about CCI style.
California Culinary Institute and its contribution to style on the corner of Polk and Turk in San Francisco.
MIKE KEPKA/The Chronicle

Photo: MIKE KEPKA

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The apron and coat -California Culinary Institute and its contribution to style on the corner of Polk and Turk in San Francisco.
MIKE KEPKA/The Chronicle

The apron and coat -California Culinary Institute and its contribution to style on the corner of Polk and Turk in San Francisco.
MIKE KEPKA/The Chronicle

Photo: MIKE KEPKA

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Sharpie and Thermometer
California Culinary Institute and its contribution to style on the corner of Polk and Turk in San Francisco.
MIKE KEPKA/The Chronicle

Sharpie and Thermometer
California Culinary Institute and its contribution to style on the corner of Polk and Turk in San Francisco.
MIKE KEPKA/The Chronicle

Photo: MIKE KEPKA

Image 4 of 5

Happy Hat -California Culinary Institute and its contribution to style on the corner of Polk and Turk in San Francisco.
MIKE KEPKA/The Chronicle

Happy Hat -California Culinary Institute and its contribution to style on the corner of Polk and Turk in San Francisco.
MIKE KEPKA/The Chronicle

Photo: MIKE KEPKA

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ON LOCATION: Polk and Turk

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7:22 p.m. Ashley Lyon wore a regulation chef's uniform while taking a smoke break with her fellow classmates from the California Culinary Academy. "We get four pairs of pants and five chef's coats," says Lyon. "Usually that's enough to last us through the week." She adds that students must also have an apron, a cravat, a chef's hat, a side towel, a thermometer, a marker and, last but not least, a good pair of black, non-slip, grease resistant shoes, "in case you spill hot grease on your foot." Lyon then rattled off the other rules most likely to get you sent home for the day, depending on your instructor. "You must be clean shaven. No dirty uniforms, no jewelry, no strong perfume. And you can't wear too much makeup." Lyon, who dreams of owning her own cafe style bookstore, adds: "I'd love to put my own spin on a uniform. I might wear bright colors ... maybe even hot-pink pants!"